UN Report Sustains Western Sahara Self-Determination Principle

Algerian diplomat Amar Belani offered preliminary observations and analysis on the latest report from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regarding the Western Sahara issue. While an advanced version of the document is currently circulating, Mr. Belani emphasized that the report does not consecrate any specific settlement nor prejudge the outcome of ongoing negotiations. This aligns with the Secretary-General's role, which is not to dictate a resolution but to describe mechanisms and options for achieving a political solution.

The diplomat noted that UN Security Council Resolution 2797 established the framework for the new political process without predetermining its final result, a point reiterated by Staffan de Mistura. He clarified that participation in this process does not imply prior acceptance of its eventual outcome. The report details that Morocco presented a draft autonomy status, derived from its 2007 initiative, which is treated as a basis for negotiation rather than a definitive agreement. Concurrently, the Polisario Front submitted its own proposals, focusing on self-determination and the guarantees for a comprehensive settlement.

Crucially, Mr. Belani highlighted that the report explicitly maintains the principle of self-determination for the Sahrawi people. While it invites parties to explore